The Chubby Cherub is an Italian restaurant situated in the heart of Belfast's city centre. The restaurant offers a variety of Italian-inspired dishes, including pizzas, pastas, risottos, salads, and desserts. The interior features rustic Mediterranean decor, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also offers vegan and children's menu options, catering to a diverse clientele. In addition to its main menu, The Chubby Cherub provides a selection of cocktails inspired by Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant has received positive reviews for its authentic cuisine and charming ambiance.
What each source says
- Google 4.2 1,607
- Tripadvisor 4.0 1,405
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location With locations on both Chichester Street and Lisburn Road, the restaurant is easily accessible. Its central location makes it a convenient choice for both locals and tourists.
- Delicious Food Quality Many reviewers rave about the high quality and taste of the food, particularly the pizzas and pastas. The menu offers a range of options, including vegetarian and gluten-free choices, catering to various dietary needs.
- Friendly and Attentive Staff The staff are frequently mentioned for being welcoming, helpful, and efficient. Their attentiveness enhances the overall dining experience, making guests feel comfortable and well-cared for.
- Great Cocktail Selection The restaurant offers a wide variety of well-made and enjoyable cocktails. These drinks complement the food and atmosphere, adding to the overall dining experience.
- Stunning Ambiance The restaurant's decor creates a beautiful and unique Italian experience, transporting diners with its atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for a special occasion or a memorable night out.
Criticised
- Can Be Overcrowded The restaurant can get very busy, especially on weekends, leading to a cramped and noisy environment. Space can be limited, especially with prams or larger groups.
- Inconsistent Food Quality While many praise the food, some reviewers have found the quality to be average or disappointing. Some dishes, like the lasagne and risotto, have received criticism for being bland or poorly prepared.
- Menu Inconsistencies Some vegetarian dishes may contain meat products, such as pancetta or parmesan. It is important to double-check the ingredients when ordering to avoid unwanted surprises.
- Service Charge for Small Tables A mandatory 10% service charge is automatically added to the bill, even for small tables of two. Some customers find this practice excessive and prefer to have the option to tip based on their satisfaction.
- Wine Selection Issues The restaurant has issues with wine stock, as some choices might be unavailable. The wine can also be considered overpriced for the quality.
The longer read
The Chubby Cherub restaurant receives high marks for its atmosphere and decor, described as beautiful, quirky, and transporting, creating a memorable dining experience. Many reviewers specifically praise the visually appealing interior design. The service generally receives positive feedback, with staff being described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, contributing to a welcoming environment. Several reviewers highlighted specific staff members by name, praising their helpfulness and positive attitudes. Many customers report a positive experience even when dining alone. The food is generally well-received, with the pizzas and pastas being frequently mentioned as tasty and well-prepared. Many reviewers who identify as Italian indicate the pizza is similar to that served in Italy. Some reviewers mention that food arrives quickly. A few dishes repeatedly praised include the mussels, roasted vegetable manicotti, and the carbonara. The cocktail menu is often highlighted for its variety and quality. Several reviewers appreciate the availability of gluten-free options and vegan options. However, there are some recurring criticisms. A minority of reviewers found the food to be average or inconsistent, with some specific dishes like lasagne and risotto receiving negative feedback for quality issues, such as being bland or overcooked. Some reviewers noted that there are occasional errors on the menu pertaining to vegetarian dishes containing meat. The service charge of 10% for small tables is a point of contention for some, with several customers feeling it is excessive. A few reviewers mention slow or disorganized service, particularly when the restaurant is busy. The restaurant can be difficult to find, potentially due to a recent move not yet reflected on mapping services. A small number of reviewers found the prices high relative to the quality of the food. A few found the restaurant to be cramped and the tables too small, especially when ordering multiple dishes. Despite the decor receiving many plaudits, a few reviewers found the decorations to be tacky.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 28 9031 2964
- Website
- chubbycherubbelfast.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 21:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 21:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.1 against a median of 4.9 across the 1 places to eat we hold for City Centre, where the most-reviewed is Chopstix - Cardiff.
Still deciding?
- What are the most popular or unique dishes on The Chubby Cherub's menu in Belfast?
- Does The Chubby Cherub offer good vegan or gluten-free meal choices for diners with dietary requirements?
- Is it necessary to make a reservation at The Chubby Cherub, especially on weekends or evenings?
- What is the overall atmosphere and interior decor like at The Chubby Cherub for a dining experience?
- Are there particular days or menu items that offer the best value for money at The Chubby Cherub?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.